A Jewish primary school in North London has launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise funds for enhanced security measures, amid rising antisemitic attacks. The school has reportedly hired former Royal Marines and veterans of the Parachute Regiment to bolster protection teams.
The appeal comes after a stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, suspected to be a terrorist attack, and a series of fire bombings. Police are investigating whether a shadowy organisation linked to Iran, known as HAYI, is paying British Iranians to carry out antisemitic acts.
The Alma school has already raised £43,000 from 320 donations, towards a £50,000 target. Sam Bianco, co-chair of Friends of Alma, said: “Everyone is really shaken by this incident. We just want to keep our children safe.” She added that the additional security was about “future-proofing the school”.
The school’s appeal states that the Community Security Trust (CST) has advised upgrades to CCTV, fencing and physical infrastructure, with CST likely to fund up to 50% of costs, leaving a £50,000 shortfall. Local Labour MP Dan Tomlinson said: “The Jewish community is a fantastic asset to the UK. We must take all steps to protect it.”
